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Past Clinics

If you want to see what some of the past clinics we have had here is the list. Mostly it is used for those who can’t remember what they had for breakfast and want to recall what they learned at previous meetings 🙂

This month’s clinic is back in Jim’s train room (actually his work room where the real work gets done) where you can be “a fly on the wall” and watch in as he works on building turnouts. Get tips, tricks and advice where you can interact and ask questions as he builds. A very informal setting. Those who join the meeting early can vote for what is worked on. On the list is an On30 #4 Wye, an HO/HOn3 dual crossing HO standard, HOn3 #4, a HO/HOn3 turnout splitting the narrow and standard gauges and others.

Learn the ins and outs of creating benchwork for a 2′ x4′ N scale layout.

October 19, 2019–My Life With the DRG&W
Presented by Jeff Pierce

Jeff will weave an interesting story of his history with the Denver Rio Grande & Western Railroad.

September 21, 2019–“MSS” Modular Signaling System
Presented by Mike Nelson

This is a system that has proven to work well in Free-mo modular layouts and could easily be configured to work on a permanent layout. It is based on ABS signaling system.

August 17, 2019–DCC decoder installation and programmingPresented by Josh McMurrin

Learn some tips and tricks of DCC decoder installation and programming.

July 20, 2019–Come to our special end of convention celebration!
Our regular monthly meeting for July will be a bring your own potluck feast featuring a BBQ bean Dutch Oven treat from Ron Davies. Watch a slide show of the convention and enjoy some great stories.

June 15, 2019–Finding the Junction City and the Story of the Golden Spike
Presented by Ron Davies

Congress dictated that the first transcontinental railroad had to join somewhere between the California /Nevada border and Omaha. Early estimates as late as 1868 placed it to be in the middle of Wyoming or middle of Nevada. I will present the history of those last days in building the Junction City and the driving of the Golden Spike.

May 18, 2019–RailPro Model Train Control System
Presented by Geoff Carter

Learn about the easy to use and powerful RailPro model train control system. Spend your time having fun with your model trains and not learning cryptic programming of variables, memorizing what function buttons do, and other complexities required by typical digital control systems.

April 20, 2019–The Significance of May 10th
Presented by Dale Angell

The always entertaining Dale Angell will talk about the upcoming historical railroad event.

March 16, 2019–Utah Rail EnthusiastsPresented by Lee Wohlgemuth

Utah Rail Enthusiasts was created for current news, events, special trains or random railroad stuff in Utah.

February 16, 2019–Quick and Easy WeatheringWorkshop by Rick Luther

Learn how to quickly weather your entire fleet of rolling stock. Fred Baney taught you how to do a meticulously beautiful job, but what about all the other cars that will have to wait for you to have the weather? No railroad has that many bright and shiny new cars. Rick will show you how to quickly turn that fleet of shiny plastic into aged revenue rolling stock.

Discover the ins and outs of the JMRI computer program to take model railroading to the next level. This program can make programing DCC decoders easier, control signals and track and much more.

December 15, 2018–Alaska RailroadPresented by Aaron PedersonAaron will talk about the fascinating Alaska Railroad. This a unique railroad that faces drastic weather and sitiuations that railroads in the lower 48 never have to deal with.

November 17, 2018–Building Card Stock StructuresPresented by Jim WanlassIn earlier days of the hobby, card-stock (paper), wood and metal kits were the norm. The proliferation of inexpensive plastic kits pushed these other models to the back for decades. One big advantage of card-stock kits is the adhesives used to build them. Basic wood and white glue work fine. There are no harmful solvents and no worries about sticking your fingers together. You may also be surprised at how little glue is needed on these models, how quickly the glue sets, and how strong they can be once dry.

October 20, 2018–WeatheringWorkshop by Fred Baney
At our last clinic you had a chance to bring rolling stock and ask questions, learn new tricks and tips or just finally get a chance to build that car that has been sitting on the self since last year. This workshop will take that one step further by learning new techniques for weathering that rolling stock and getting rid of that just new look. Fred is a talented artist with chalks and other techniques for weathering rolling stock. Don’t forget to bring a car and join in the fun!

September 15, 2018–Bring and Build Day : Rolling StockDo you have some rolling stock that you want to build or finish? Having a problem assembling that complicated wood or plastic kit? Wanting to learn some tips and techniques for building that awesome ore car? Bring your kits and some tools and we will spend time building and sharing creative ways to get more rolling stock on your layout.

July 21, 2018–AP PresentationBruce will be presenting a clinic on his route to Master Model Railroader through the NMRA Achievement Program. Learn how to get started and the joy of becoming the best model railroader you can. Bruce maybe better known as the founder of Litchfield Station and as “Mr. DCC”. He is from the Pacific Southwest Region, Arizona Division and a columnist for Model Railroad Hobbyist digital magazine.Presented by Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC, MMR #574

June 16, 2018–Prototype PhotographyWe’ll go over, different types of photography, the equipment to bring along, the basics, techniques, and some great helpful hints. Plenty of examples will be shown. Framing, making the most of what you have to work with, field trips, and knowing your limits. Bring your questions. We’ll do our best to entertain and spark your creative imagination.
Presented by Ken Foster

May 19, 2018–Timesaver Layouts, Inglenooks and MoreIf you like puzzles or operation, you will love this. Let them show you all the tricks to more fun.
Presented by Jim Wanlass MMR, Fred Baney, Bob and Karin Gerald, and Geoff Carter

April 21, 2018–3M Electrical Connectors, an alternative to solderingIf you’re not too confident in wiring your layout, or soldering skills, there is another way to connect those wires. Suitcase connectors, quick connects, and t-taps my be just what you need to get the job done. Tools needed: a pair of wire crimpers and a pair of pliers. An added bonus is there is nothing to plug in, which means no soldering iron, no burned fingers or hands.
Presented by Lowell Didas

March 17, 2018–RailPro model train control systemLearn about the easy to use and powerful RailPro model train control system. Spend your time having fun with your model trains and not learning cryptic programming of variables, memorizing what function buttons do, and other complexities required by typical digital control systems.
Presented by Geoff Carter

February 17, 2018–Making Sage BrushLearn how to create realistic sage brush to give your layout that distinctive look of the western United States.
Presented by Blaine Holbrook

January 20, 2018–Light your layout with the “Just-Plug” lighting systemAn introduction to the Woodland Scenics “Just-Plug” lighting system. Learn how to add lights to your buildings and install street lights with ease using this simple system. Also includes tips on how to add your own LED’s, wiring and power.
Presented by Rick Luther

December 16, 2017–Hands-on Building Great Looking Trees QuicklyJim’s philosophy is to have the right tool for the right job. He will show AND give you a chance to build your own pine trees using this unique tool. In very little time you can have a great looking tree! You can build these trees in a variety of sizes to work with multiple scales.
Presented by Jim Wanlass, MMR

November 18, 2017–Building Roads and Parking LotsLearn how to create roads and parking lots by using craft foam sheets from the craft store. A simple and easy method of adding detail to your layout without plaster or other “wet” ingredients.
Presented by Rick Luther

October 21, 2017–Prototype Rehab and ReuseA 43 min. video from the History Channel showing how the real railroads scrap, rehab. and rescue cars, engines, and materials into “better than new”, or made into something entirely different.
Presented by Steve Moore

September 16, 2017–PresentationKeith Osojnak and Schon Norris will share some railroad photography with us. Keith’s emphasis will be Thailand railroads, and Schon will present model and prototype photographs.
Presented by Keith Osojnak and Schon Norris *Keith was unable to make it.

August 19, 2017–PresentationA two-part clinic. First, a report on the Orlando NMRA National Convention. Second, a presentation on Weathering Structures.
Presented by Bill Hughes

July 15, 2017–PresentationGuil Rand will show us how he modeled the McWane Ductile Pipe Plant.
Presented by Guil Rand

June 17, 2017–Hands on Photography
Bring your camera!! Schon Norris will cover some photography basics — f-stops, shutter speed, depth of field, focal length, “film” speed, telephoto, wide-angle, macro, micro and more with an emphasis on close-up photography. Then we will practice what we learned. While we will have models to photograph, please feel free to bring your own model(s).
Presented by Schon Norris

May 20, 2017–The Circus is Gone!– All about the Prototype and ModelingAn updated presentation on circuses with updates reflecting the major changes in the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus that have happened in the last few months. The last Ringling Brothers Barnum & Baily performance will be May 21, 2017, the day after our event. Marty will update us with the latest about this significant change and what the future may hold.
Presented by Marty Petersen

April 15, 2017–Eye Health and Safety
>Dr. Bogus (yes that is his real name) will do a presentation on eyes, eye aging, close-up work and eye safety.
Presented by Dr. Bogus

March 18, 2017–Operations without the Aggravation
Learn about using a simple car routing system without all the paperwork and without a lot of time sitting in front of a computer.
Presented by Rick Luther

February 18, 2017–Create Unique and Cheap Buildings in Any Scale
Mike will show us how to create unique and cheap buildings in any scale.
Workshop by Mike Pettruzzelli

January 21, 2017–Two PresentationsA short presentation about A.C. Gilbert, manufacturer of American Flyer trains. Presented by Jim Buckley Cancelled due to health reasons.

Modesto & Empire Traction and the Western Railway Museum
Presented by Stan Jennings

December 17, 2016–Trains & ChristmasTRAINS & CHRISTMAS and the story of the railroads of Parley’s Canyon.
Presented by Dale Angell

November 19, 2016–Health, Aging and ModelingDealing with aging yet continuing your model railroading hobby – Tips on heart health and keeping lungs working well with most of clinic devoted to eye health and safety.

October 15, 2015–Share your modeling skillsThe Discovery Model Railroad Club, a 100% NMRA club for youth, will be at the Northern Utah Division’s regular monthly event with their Pizza Box layouts.

The first part of the clinic will be Show n’ Tell. Bring your favorite model (and why it is your favorite), bring a photograph of your layout, tell a railroad or model railroad story. The intent is to demonstrate to the Discovery Model Railroad Club that model railroading IS the most interesting hobby in the world.

The second part of the clinic is sharing your skills with the Discovery Model Railroad Club members featuring hands-on interaction with the new modelers and their Pizza Pie layouts.

September 17, 2016–Hands-on Locomotive LightingJohn Laser
Learn tips and techniques for installing lighting in your locomotives. John will also be covering some basic soldering techniques.

August 20, 2016–A Very Special WorkshopLee Nicholas
History of the Utah Colorado Western with some thoughts on wiring and spine roadbed.

July 16, 2016–Why is a National NMRA Convention such a big deal?Presented by The 2019 National Convention Team

A report on the Indianapolis 2016 NMRA convention.

Also, special guest Bruce Petrarca, known as “Mr DCC” was in attendance to answer any of your questions about DCC and talked about becoming one of the most recent Master Model Railroaders in the AP program.

June 18, 2016–Hands-on SceneryRob Spangler
Learn from one of Utah’s master scenery builders! Rob will show us his techniques for building fabulous scenery. You will be able to take your plywood empire to a realistic contoured beauty in no time.

May 21, 2016–Hands-on Backdrop PaintingGil Bennett
Gil has been painting for 30 years. During that time he has painted for private collectors, public and private businesses. He loves to paint trains, or as his friend says “A landscape with a train in it.” Come prepared to be amazed and entertained.

Prior to May 2016 our monthly division events were held at the Jordan Valley Medical Center West Valley Campus (formerly known as Pioneer Valley Hospital)

April 16, 2016–Scratch Building Rolling StockPresentation by Al Badham
Learn from one of Utah’s master model builders the techniques for building beautiful, fine detailed and award winning rolling stock!

March 19, 2016–Building the Canadian NorthernPresentation by Greg Butters Greg’s wife’s grandfather worked on the railroad 1915-1919, photographed and documented some of the construction.

The March 19th, 2016 event of the Northern Utah Division became a movie event presented by Steve Moore. Steve featured some interesting and informative videos from Model Railroad Hobbyist and Model Railroader magazines. Videos presented by Ken Patterson included such diverse subjects as carving foam, using a laser level, photo stacking software, the new Bachmann E-Z App and BlueRail for running trains, and building a BTS structure. Charlie Comstock presented a video on working with MicroEngineering Trackwork and Cody Grivno presented a video for making broken windows. The only thing missing was the popcorn!

December 19, 2015–Introduction to Mold Making and Casting
Lecture & Workshop by Jim Wanlass
Learn about making molds and casting parts. The first part will be a lecture on the mold making process and using “off-the-shelf” products. The second part will explain casting parts and molds will be available for a hands-on casting session.

November 21, 2015–Presentation and WorkshopThe Future of Model Railroading by Blaine Holbrook
The Northern Utah Division’s Boxcar Races have been quite successful. Wasatch Rails 2015 had a great number of activities for the public. Join us for an update of what the Northern Utah Division is doing to encourage the public, especially children, to be involved in Model Railroading.

Gauge and Scale by Stan Jennings
What is railroad gauge? What is scale? Are they the same thing? This is a hands-on clinic on what railroad gauge is and how to calculate scale. Bring your calculator! Dial calipers would be handy. Do you have a question about the scale of one of your models? Bring it.

October 17, 2015–Media Management
Presentation by Steve Moore

Acquire, Notate, Classify, and Store your pictures, so you can actually find them when you need them! I know, what a concept, right?

June 20, 2015—Making a Mountain & AirbrushingRon Davies
Did you see Ron’s scenery workshop at Wasatch Rails 2014? The public loved it!! Now we will have a chance to make our own mountains!

Airbrushing-For those who couldn’t stay for all of the December basic painting workshop or those who desire more instruction and/or practice, we will also have another painting workshop this month building on the December basic painting workshop.

This power point presentation examines the evolution of railroad service in the Beehive State with a focus on locomotive development and operations. Retired railroad official and current UDOT Railroad & Freight Planner Daniel B. Kuhn uses his own photos to take you on a journey that explains how the railroads serving Utah have been at the forefront of locomotive development, and how post-deregulation railroad mergers have reduced the number of Class One railroads operating in Utah from four in 1980 to the Union Pacific today, with BNSF Railway also serving Utah via trackage rights over selected UP lines. Daniel will share personal anecdotes about his years railroading in Utah and across the west, along with some humorous stories about how some of the photos in this presentation were taken by him. Railroad historians and model railroaders should enjoy this colorful look at Utah’s railroads. All Aboard!

April 18, 2015—Electrify Your SceneryRick Luther
Learn how to build your own static grass applicator from just a few easily available parts and for under $10.00! Then learn the about the materials, tips and tricks to bring realistic grass to your layout.

March 21, 2015—Utah’s Eureka Hill RailwayStan Jennings
The Eureka Hill Railroad, is one of the most interesting railroads in Utah. Stan Jennings will present the story of this fascinating railroad, cover some mining basics and present some mine modeling ideas.

February 21, 2015—Circus TrainsMary Petersen
Everyone likes a circus, yet how many know what it takes behind the scenes for the show to go on? Marty Peterson is one who does. Not only is he a circus modeler, he volunteers with circuses to help make them happen. We will have a behind-the-scenes view of the circus then Marty will cover circus modeling, a subject suitable for any model railroad layout era from 1840s to the present.

A new feature we are adding to the website is videos of the clinics in a members only section. For now this is the first couple of minutes from the clinic as a teaser.

December 20, 2014—Air Brush
***2pm-5pm @ Blaine Holbrook’s home in Centerville***Stan Jennings
Are you tired of seeing and/or buying look-a-like models? Most of us want to have unique models and that usually requires paint.
Does painting in general seem mysterious or difficult? Does airbrushing in particular seem mysterious to you? They shouldn’t. In December we will discuss the basics of painting. While the emphasis will be on air brush basics, we will also work on the basics of preparation, paint types, brush painting, dry brushing, masking, paint removal, and many other related subjects. If you have any painting-related subject you feel should be part of the clinic, let us know.
We will meet at Blaine Holbrook’s home, Centerville, at 2PM. Blaine has superb facilities for this type of clinic — a good area for the classroom necessities, a huge lab area (two floors) and plenty of parking available in a church parking lot behind the house. We could handle forty participants, although twenty would be much easier.
Like a race school, we will present basics in a classroom-like manner, then on to really painting, both brush and airbrush. Blaine has a friend that is a master air brush artist, he will probably help with the hands-on air brushing segment. The 2PM starting time gives about an hour for basics then two-three hours for serious practice (we don’t have to quit exactly at the normal five).

November 15, 2014—Part 2 Signaling and the layout: Wiring for signals. Installing a prototype signaling system on the layoutDaland Speirs

October 18, 2014—History of the Salt Lake, Garfield & Western Railroad &Track PlanningStan Jennings & Peter Lieber
Marty is out of town so there is a change in clinics for this month. We get two!
–Stan Jennings will present a history of the Salt Lake, Garfield & Western Railroad from 1891 to the present day.
–Peter Lieber will present a clinic on track planning and how to go from a map of the prototype to list of scenes, to track plan.

September 20, 2014—Signaling overview: What it is, how it works and how it relates to model railroadsDaland Speirs

August 16, 2014—“Finer Points” of DCC (rescheduled from April)Alan Anderson
Alan will touch on a few basics as from his earlier DCC presentation, and then into the finer points. Learn how to use smartphones as a throttle using DCC->JMRI->Wi-fi->Smartphone. Plus DCC systems with computer interconnectivity, free JMRI software, and either EngineDriver for Android, or WiThrottle for iOS.

July 19, 2014—UP TurbinesFred Baney
They were BIG, they were Loud, and they were Yellow. They only lasted a little over 20 years in service and they have gone for over 40. They were a site and sound never to be forgotten. Fred takes you through the history of all the different types. From the Steam Turbine Electric thru the world’s only coal burning gas turbine locomotive. He will go into the “nuts & bolts” of these beasts, how they worked, and what it took to operate them. Come hear and see how these “Dragons” of the Wasatch lived and how they died.

May 17, 2014—Interurbans of Utah since 1949Stan JenningsAt one time Utah had interurban service from as far south as Payson, Utah, as far north as Preston, Idaho, west to Garfield, Utah and east to Pinecrest, Utah. While all except one are gone and the survivor is dramatically changed, a surprising amount of equipment has survived. What has survived is a fascinating part of Utah’s railroad history.

Apr 19, 2014—3 Mini PresentationsBecause of Easter conflicts, we will not have Alan’s presentation; it has been postponed until August. Instead, we will have at least three short presentations – the Scott Special, removing lettering and decaling. It will be hands-on for the decaling presentation, bring decals and something to decal.

Mar 15, 2014—Utah Mining RailroadsDon Strack
Don will present a history of Utah railroads, and the important role they played in the history of mining in Utah. The presentation covers the early years before the mining boom of the two decades between 1890 and 1910, as well as the vital role railroads played in the sudden growth in Utah’s coal mining industry in Carbon County, and the mines in and around Bingham Canyon and Park City. Included is a brief summary of the years after World War II to today. Don has given this presentation twice as a lecture for Mining Engineering students at University of Utah, as part of the overall history of mining in Utah.